The free conference, hosted by the
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department, is for
grandparents who are the
primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Officials with several
local agencies will discuss topics like parenting skills,
coping with abandonment, custody issues and grandparents’ rights.

Adele Mart, human services operations
manager, said 11 percent of children in Louisiana live with their
grandparents — the
third-highest percentage in the U.S. She said the conference will
help educate grandparents and other relatives who are raising
children on their own.

“It will provide training and support to empower grandparents,” she said.

People must register for the conference
by Friday to get a lunch ticket. Forms are available at these
locations: Allen P.
August Multi-Purpose Annex, city of Lake Charles (Community
Development and Services), Calcasieu Council on Aging, Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana and CASA Family and Youth
Counseling.

Other entities partnering with the
conference include the city of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Council on Aging,
Calcasieu Sheriff’s
Office, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center of
Louisiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana
and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.